Candidate:Rick Perry(Dropped Out 1/19/2011)

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ABOUT

Perry succeeded George W. Bush as Texas governor following Bush's election as president in 2000, and is now the state’s longest-serving chief executive. Before running for statewide office, Perry was a registered Democrat and supported Al Gore in his 1988 presidential bid.

Perry is a natural supporter of the Tea Party, having championed smaller government and lower taxes before the movement even took shape. He touts his record of job creation on the campaign trail. He is an evangelical Christian and hosted a prayer rally in August that attracted some 30,000 people. An early front-runner, Perry stumbled in televised debates and has plummeted in the polls. He was endorsed by Steve Forbes in October.

ELECTIVE OFFICE

Governor, 2000-present

Texas agricultural commissioner, 1991-99

Texas House, 1985-91

OTHER CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

After college, Perry served in the U.S. Air Force until 1977, retiring as a captain. He then returned to Texas to help on his father’s cotton farm.

Vital Stats

Date of Birth: March 4,1950

Education: Bachelor’s degree in animal science, 1972, Texas A&M.

Family: Wife, Anita, and two adult children, Griffin and Sydney.

Current home: West Austin, Texas

Religion: Perry attends an evangelical megachurch and identifies as Methodist.